MALETSWAI – A suspect (34) in connection with the murder of his alleged girlfriend whose body was discovered in a suitcase was arrested within 24 hours in Maletswai (formerly Aliwal North).
According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, on 15 March 2026, police responded to a report after a young boy and his friends discovered the body of a woman in a suitcase in a pond at the maize field area near the dumping site.
“Emergency services were called to the scene, and the victim was declared deceased,” she said.
Gantana added that the incident prompted the assembly of a multidisciplinary team of local detectives, the District Murder Task Team, and the K9 biological dog unit.
“Through swift investigative work and the gathering of crucial evidence, police were able to identify and locate the crime scene and a suspect linked to the incident,” she noted.
“Within 24 hours of the discovery of the body, the 34-year-old suspect, the boyfriend of the deceased, was arrested and is currently in police custody,” she said. “The suspect is expected to appear before the Aliwal North Magistrates’ Court soon on charges of murder.”
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso commended members involved in the investigation for their rapid response and dedication to ensuring justice for the victim.
“The quick arrest demonstrates our commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring that those responsible for such brutal acts are brought before the courts,” said Kupiso.
“Police investigations remain ongoing as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including the motive for the crime,” Gantana concluded.
